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Saturday, June 16, 2012

If you had asked me five years ago about RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF, I don't think I would have known to whom or what you were referring. Now, however, I feel RWB cars are everywhere, relatively speaking. All distinctly similar, yet quite unique in their own right, RWB cars are highly recognizable.

There are certain trends, customs, crazes, traits, and characteristics unique to certain modification cultures that some people do not necessarily agree with or understand, but can still accept. As an example, the bold colored wheels popular with some of the Japanese drift cars have become more and more popular over the past ten years or so with daily driven cars. While the average person on the street might see a Z33 with fluorescent pink wheels and say, "That looks ridiculous," I see it in a different light and just because I may not mount those particular styled wheels on my car, I "get" it. Hellaflush could be described in much the same way... Although I cannot honestly say that I love every RWB Porsche, I respect absolutely the work and dedication that goes into each and every one. I have come to accept the extensive double-wing as a signature keystone and mainstay - I "get" it, but, if ever fortunate enough to be granted the rare and fantastic privilege of having a RWB Porsche built for me, I believe I would kindly opt out of the more exaggerated double-wing option and go with one of the more conservative set-ups. Just my preference...

Anyway... More than the cars themselves, Nakai-San, RWB founder, intrigues me. I tend to watch the same internet clips over and over again just to listen to (err... read) him talk about his love of building cars. There is something about his approach to modification that I find fascinating. I believe it has much to do with the fact that his passion and enjoyment of the cars he builds transcends all else. That zeal and enthusiasm shines through in his work, as each one of his individually nicknamed projects is a rolling work of art. The concern over the last six months or so as to whether or not RWB is becoming too mainstream is something that interests me, as well. I will be curious to behold how the RWB culture will evolve.

The Original Creation, Stella Artois

Look at that thing!

A cool video by Maiham Media that captures the essence of RAUH-Wel BEGRIFF...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Sentiments that surround this project. When plans are in the works, parts in transit, or even when the wheels in my head are just starting to turn in contemplation of what I want to do next, I find myself powerless to simply step back and enjoy what has already been accomplished. Not a particularly admirable quandary in which to find one's self - feeling as though your car is not quite where it should be. However, it is not a stretch to suggest that this mindset of insufficiency, shortcoming, and, perhaps, imperfection is a common posture among enthusiasts. I think that is why we call them projects. A project is constantly-evolving. It is not supposed to ever be "done." The desire to improve overrides any feelings of content or complacency. Discovering that balance where one can enjoy what has been achieved while still striving to improve is where the challenge lies.

Along those lines... Well over a year ago, my buddy, Brian, related to me that TEIN USA wanted to feature the G on their blog. I was reluctant because, of course, the car was not where I wanted it to be. "Let's wait a couple months until the next stage is complete." Fast forward to today... We are currently in the midst of some very exciting modifications. Ironically (and not surprisingly), I am really looking forward to the next few months, further perpetuating that endless cycle of insatiability...

I executed a Google search today on something completely unrelated and I stumbled upon this:

Friday, June 8, 2012

To each his own. It's not for everyone. It's not for me. However, I can respect the divergent approaches to modding (unless it entails rocking fake parts - that I do not condone). Diversity is what keeps this hobby fresh. My humble opinion is that the Z is a sports car. I am of the mindset that one should drive a sports car - take corners with spirit and vigor and enjoy the suspension and handling characteristics of the car; not be forced to pay special attention to pebbles in the road for fear of damaging the front bumper. Although I am more of a function over form enthusiast, I am entertained by some of these HellaFlush rides. I know I'm late to the game with this particular project, but I was recently browsing YouTube and came across this minty fresh, pebble-plowing Z33...

Bosozuku-styled exhaust...

Check out the flex on that front end as this Z attempts to traverse a speed bump at the :53 mark...

Monday, June 4, 2012

My compulsion towards the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

I have always loved the monoblock Volk Racing wheels on the R34s. Well, on just about anything, really... I don't think I would ever say they do not look proper. However, in my humble opinion, there's a definite toss-up between Volk and BBS with this particular application.

Friday, June 1, 2012

My friend, Mike Lee, recently decided to give his 2009 BMW E92 M3 a new look. An aggressive tuner-themed appearance has been achieved with a new set of Volk Racing rollers. These TE37 Time Attack wheels feature offsets a bit more aggressive than the previous Alloy Technic set-up Mike was running. Thus, the new footwork has stanced this M3 quite nicely.

With a bevy of top-notch modifications, including an Ericsson Amuse exhaust, Ericsson Amuse boot lid trunk, Ericsson Amuse rear bumper, Vorsteiner carbon fiber hood, and Brembo Gran Turismo big brake kit, this is one of the sharpest M3s I have seen, in my opinion, rivaled only by some of the JDM-built IND M cars.

This is likely not the last you have seen of this project on JDMphasis... But for now, a few shots of Mike's new shoes. Enjoy.

Credit card clearance between caliper and wheel spoke.

After losing a battle to a manhole cover, Mike's carbon front lip is in the process of being replaced.